Here we are at part two of my Twenties Guide To Life series! Did you read the first post about budgeting? I'd love to know how following any of the advice helps to change your life. This post is all about...relationships! Dun. dun. dun. As someone who has been in a relationship for the past few years and has spent plenty of time single, as well, I feel confident in everything I am going to share with you.

1. Don't dwell on the past Don't spend your time dwelling on past arguments or things that have happened in the past. Did he say he'd be there in 20 minutes and then get caught up playing video games for 3 hours? Don't dwell on it. Say your aggravations as they're happening, learn from it together, and move on.

2. Give him (or her) some space This is especially true if you live together. Spend at least a few hours a day apart. If he wants to go up and see his family for a weekend, that doesn't mean you have to go too. Feel okay doing things separately. Too much time together can cause friction and animosity.

3. Expect romance A little romance is never too much to ask. You're in a ROMANTIC relationship. You're not just buddies. Romance doesn't need to mean fancy dinners or an expensive bouquet of roses after work. Planning a date day at least once a week is a great way to keep the romance going. Falling into a rut is easy, if you find yourselves slipping - do something to change it.

4. Learn to compromise It's not always going to be what you want all the time. I know, it's dreadful. You know what's not so bad? Compromising. Whether the compromise is what to have for dinner, what movie to watch, who's going to sweep the floors, or who's going to clean up after your dog. Always be ready to compromise. Pick your battles wisely.

5. Accept the ghosts of relationships past Unless you've been with your significant other since you were much younger, they've probably been with other people. Both sexually and emotionally. There's nothing worse than sitting and thinking about the other people that your person has been with. It's important that both people accept the other's past relationships and don't dwell on them. Your partner is choosing to be with you. That should be enough.

6. Find separate hobbies Go to a dance class, work on your planner, have wine nights with your friends. Having interests and things you do that the other isn't necessarily interested in is so important. You'll both be happier if you have individual interests and hobbies.

7. Don't stop trying When the novelty of a new relationship starts to wear off it's easy to stop trying to impress your significant other. You may stop going to the gym, making them meals, or dressing up for them. Continue trying to be the best version of yourself. Put on a sexy dress, pour a couple glasses of wine, do the dishes without being asked. Don't fall into being a sub-par version of yourself just because it's comfortable.

It's been awhile since I posted, but in my defense life has been a little crazy. We took a trip down to Napa for a few days to visit family and stopped at Bend on the way down and back. While we were down in California we went and visited puppies that my mom's dog recently had. The puppies were staying at the breeder's house so we had to drive about 40 minutes to go and see them. We knew we really wanted one, but the one we fell in love with just happened to be a pet quality one vs a show quality one and since there was a big waiting list for pet quality pups, we thought there was no chance we would get the one we wanted.

But...surprise! A few days after being back in Portland we got the news that this little cutie will be ours! We're still trying to come up with a name and won't have her for another 4-5 weeks, but are thrilled about the new addition to our family. She's a Rhodesian Ridgeback and will get to be about 65 pounds when she is full grown. We would love some help coming up with names! We're going to name our second dog, Biscuit, if that helps at all. :) Enjoy swooning over puppy pics!